Aperitivo in London at Luca: I really love Italy; the country, the history, the people, the fashion, the culture, and not least the food and drink. One very civilised custom in particular that I am partial to, originating from the northern parts of Italy, is that of ‘aperitivo’. A great way to meet up with […]
Yauatcha City and Tanqueray no. TEN – Gin and Tea Garden
Summer in the City with Tanqueray no. TEN Now summer has finally arrived it’s wonderful to be able to get out and about fully enjoy those blissful long evenings. Yauatcha and Tanqueray No. TEN have formed the perfect partnership and are celebrating the start of summer with the launch of a unique Gin and Tea […]
Remy Martin Masterclass and Oyster Roast at Boulestin, St James
“I live absolutely like an oyster.” ― Gustave Flaubert I grew up believing that you should never mix oysters and spirits. Restaurants used to have warnings on their menus and solemn-faced maitre d’s would admonish you if there was even a possibility that you had knocked back a couple of Sex on the Beaches before […]
Truffled Gin and Vermouth Cocktails
Cocktails and More with Truffled Gin and Vermouth: Whenever I hear the word truffle I get excited. Let’s add another word…How about gin? Now my pulse is starting to race with heady thoughts of Allesandro Palazzi’s Truffle Martinis at Duke’s Bar in St James… So when asked to review South African and from the noted […]
Feria de Jerez at StreetXO London
StreetXO London, Tio Pepe and Feria de Jerez A last-minute invitation to preview the sherries on offer for the StreetXO Feria de Jerez sounded intriguing. I’m partial to a little sherry – and I’ve done enough sherry tastings and recipe development of my own with sherry now to understand a little about the complexity and […]
A London Date-Night with Black Cow and HIX
Mark’s Bar, Hix Brewer Street – Black Cow Vodka: When I was younger and single, I used to love going out in London on a Friday night. Everyone is happy that the weekend has started, and there’s a happy buzz in the bars and restaurants. So I was pleased to hop on a tube after […]
Bottomless Brunch with Cocktails at Dirty Bones
A touch of NYC in the heart of KHS! A retro neon sign tells you you’ve arrived, otherwise, it would be easy to walk past the narrow doorway to Dirty Bones’ Kensington High Street. Take the steep staircase down to this basement restaurant and you could be miles away from the frenetic shopping taking place […]
Magical cocktails to raise your spirits
Seeking sanctuary at the Sofitel London St James Located a short walk from Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, in the dignified environs of centuries-old clubs and aristocratic institutions, the Coco Chanel inspired bar at the Sofitel London St James provides the perfect retreat from the bustle of the west end’s shopping and theatre districts. This […]
Bill’s Covent Garden
Day to night dining in comfort and style at Bill’s “Bill’s for breakfast!” is a cry often heard in our house at weekends. Our local branch has become our go-to-place when the family gathers and no one will take responsibility for producing a breakfast with the required amount of crispy bacon and pancakes, cooked to […]
Warninks Advocaat – Making a Snowball this Christmas
70’s Retro drinks are making a comeback! I remember my parents throwing cocktails parties in the 70’s when Snowballs were all the rage, especially at Christmas. Well, those 70s cocktails are right back in fashion – so I was delighted to be given a fabulous gift box from Warninks with everything I needed to make […]